Times new for historic pub
NEW TENANTS OF ONE OF SUNDERLAND’S OLDEST AND MOST POPULAR WATERING HOLES VOW TO KEEP TRADITION
One of Sunderland's oldest and most well-loved pubs is entering a new chapter.
The Kings Arms in Deptford dates back more than 150 years and once served up pints to weary workers from the nearby shipyards.
New tenant Stefan Emmerson has taken over the popular watering hole but is assuring punters he’ll keep the traditional feel – along with pub parrot Peter.
Stefan decided to take over the pub after success transforming nearby former Irish-themed bar TJ Doyles into Hanover Place, which has proved popular with its food offering.
“We opened Hanover Place in December 2015 and it’s going really well,” he said. “It gets particularly busy on Friday nights and for Sunday lunches. I had my eye on Kings Arms, with it being so close, so when it came up I jumped at the chance.
“Although we totally changed the building at Hanover Place, we don’t need to do that here. It’s one of the city’s oldest and best traditional real ale emporiums and we want to keep it that way. If anything we’ve made it more rustic by adding barrel tables and making the lighting a bit more ambient.”
He added: “Peter comes with the pub too, but he doesn’t say ‘last orders please’ unfortunately.”
The first mention of the pub is in a document dating back to 1854 and it still retains its two open fires and other period features. Over the years, it’s become wellknown for its real ale offering and has regularly appeared in Camra Good Beer Guide.
Stefan said: “It has a lot of loyal regulars and they’re really happy we’re keeping the traditional feel. We sell mini bottles of prosecco now, but we have nine different cask ales which alternate and are a popular feature.
“We also have traditional snacks on the bar like pies, pickled eggs and mussels. There’s also a great marquee at the back which we’ll be using for functions.”
The pub will also be running a buskers night from 8pm onwards on Wednesday nights which includes a free buffet.
Stefan says the string of pubs in Deptford, which also includes The Saltgrass, offer an alternative night out for people away from the city centre.
“People like that you can spend all night round here and you can actually hear each other talk over the music,” he said.